developing fashion capsules no.4

build slowly and be discerning

Photo credit: Cleo Vermij Unsplash

I am sure that we have all been in a situation when we open the wardrobe door and wonder how it got to this state, how can there be so much stuff but still nothing you actually want to wear. The temptation is to think the only answer is to chuck it all out and start again. Even if this was a feasible proposition, do you know where you would even start? If you look at the clarity section in the Inspiration Portfolio, and some other blog posts you can start to create a picture of how you actually live your life and what you like to wear. With this in mind, how different is this assessment from the clothes you currently own? There will probably be some really random outliers, we all have them, but I dare say that the majority of the clothes you have will work for your lifestyle.

Perhaps you just need to look at them in a different way? How do you like to work with things? Does putting all your trousers together make more sense to you than arranging particular outfits together? Perhaps you want all your red things together or keep patterned and plain things separated, whatever method works for you is ideal. Rather than the scattergun approach, creating some order in your possessions makes life a lot easier.If you can create a system that suits your needs, then it becomes easier to see what does, and importantly, doesn’t, work with your overall styling aesthetic. You can see what you have got, you have a better idea of what will go together, and you will wear more of your clothes more frequently.

How often do you dress with intention, rather than just putting the first thing on that comes to hand? We all have periods of our lives where being bothered with our appearance is a long way down your to do list. But I am sure you will also have dressed in a way that made you feel wonderful, full of confidence, and unstoppable? What was it that made the difference? Was it the event, a particular occasion, or just the clothes you chose to wear? Creating capsules makes it so much easier to dress in a way that impresses you, rather than just feeling ok. This isn’t about wearing your fancy clothes to do the housework, but just putting the things you wear everyday together in a way that makes you feel good. Can you experiment with colour, or pattern, or design to create a whole new look?

You don’t need to create this clothing utopia in one go, choose somewhere to start, and build from there. Group some clothes together to create some different outfits for work, and for socialising. This will mean that you will easily be able to grab what you need, and you can see your new options, without a last minute panic. If something works, can you photograph it or make a note somehow? Perhaps putting different things together will identify some gaps in your wider collection? With this knowledge, you can create a wish list and build on what you already have, rather than impulse buying, or making unneeded repeat purchases. Building your collection slowly, and with a plan, is a great way to get value from your wardrobe, by wearing more of what you have, more often.

Continues in No.5…

All rights reserved. Milly Churchill asserts the right to be identified as the author of this work.